SW Pa. hospital seeks partnership with network

WINDBER, Pa.—A rural southwestern Pennsylvania hospital says in a letter to employees that it is seeking a "strategic relationship" with a larger health network.

The letter doesn't specify a potential partner for Windber Medical Center. But chairman David Klementik tells the (Johnstown) Tribune-Democrat ( http://bit.ly/12ZRcfn) that a growing number of western Pennsylvania hospitals have been partnering with health insurer Highmark Inc. and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and its health plan.

Klementik says Windber Medical Center would like to be a part of such a deal.

The hospital's officials say a partnership is likely necessary for the smaller, independent hospital. Although no deals or even talks are ongoing, officials at the hospital about 65 miles east of Pittsburgh wanted employees to know it is being considered.